Former Boxing Champion Barry McGuigan Joins I'm A Celebrity 2024

2024-11-18

Former Irish boxing champion Barry McGuigan, aged 63, is set to join the cast of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2024, marking a significant return to public attention. Widely known as “The Clones Cyclone,” McGuigan held the WBA and lineal featherweight titles from 1985 to 1986, becoming a cherished figure during a tumultuous period in Northern Ireland, where he united fans from both Catholic and Protestant backgrounds.

Barry McGuigan was born on February 28, 1961, in Clones, County Monaghan, Ireland. After a decorated amateur career, which included representing Ireland at the 1980 Olympics and winning a gold medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games, he turned professional in the early 1980s. He captured the world featherweight title by defeating Eusebio Pedroza in 1985 and received the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award the same year.

In addition to his boxing prowess, McGuigan is a boxing manager and promoter, founding Cyclone Promotions. He is also a TV pundit, known for his work with Sky Sports. His professional journey took a tragic turn when his only daughter, Danika “Nika” McGuigan, passed away at the age of 33 in July 2019 after a battle with cancer, a loss that profoundly affected the family.

Barry has been married to his childhood sweetheart, Sandra Mealiff, since December 1981. Together, they have four children: Nika, Shane, Jake, and Blain. Shane has followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a boxing trainer and working with notable fighters.

As he prepares to enter the jungle, McGuigan aims to conquer the psychological challenges of the experience. He has stated that he is willing to take on all tasks presented during the competition, expressing that his background as a fighter prepares him for such arduous trials. McGuigan’s appearance on the show promises to introduce him to a new audience, allowing fans to glimpse his life outside the boxing ring.

In a heartwarming gesture before his jungle venture, McGuigan made a donation to a Christmas toy appeal in Donegal, reflecting his commitment to helping children in need. With his mix of sporting accolades and personal tribulations, Barry McGuigan is anticipated to be a compelling figure in this season of I’m A Celebrity.

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